BULLET AND SHOT 



former, as I found that it sometimes only wounded 

 birds which the larger shot would have brought to 

 bag. Recently, however, in Ireland, a batch of 

 cartridges loaded with No. 9 shot (I had ordered 

 No. 8) gave such highly satisfactory results, in use 

 on snipe, that I intend using this size in future 

 shooting at these birds at home. I use Schultze 

 powder, and am well satisfied with it. A light 

 i2-bore is, in my opinion, the best gun for snipe 

 shooting. The beginner in this sport must not 

 be discouraged by missing, and should try to 

 cultivate a proper style of shooting, regarding 

 misses with as much philosophy as may be 

 possible. 



There is no royal road to good shooting, and 

 although some men are quicker in acquiring the 

 art than are others, practice, and the acquisition 

 of a good style will usually enable any man who 

 is blessed with good eyesight to become at least 

 an average snipe shot. 



If a man, who has had no previous experience 

 in the use of the shot-gun, wishes to begin upon 

 snipe, he should strive to pitch his gun as quickly 

 as possible, pulling the trigger the instant that the 

 butt touches his shoulder. There must be no 

 attempt to " poke," or aim at the bird. Hand 

 and eye must work together, and with rapidity 

 too, for good work at this game ; and they will 

 with practice act harmoniously if a proper style 

 of shooting be adhered to. 



Of course, in the case of a crossing shot, the gun 

 must either be pitched at space in front of the bird, 



378 



